Somewhere Over Which Rainbow?

By 84 Comments

This is a view of the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls from the Canadian side of Niagara.

My husband and I are here for a weekend escape to celebrate our 19th anniversary. (Yes, I was a child bride ;)

I couldn’t help but think as I looked at this gorgeous rainbow that we are all searching…we have been programmed to seek the ‘gold at the end of the rainbow.’ Dorothy has sung to us since childhood that ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ is better than where we are now.

And now that I’m older (and hopefully wiser) — I’m going to respectfully disagree.

There is no ONE rainbow. There is no ONE ultimate. There is no ONE success or ONE finish line for your life or your business.

Instead, I believe we are gifted with multiple rainbows. Honestly, I was reminded of this by my 7 year old that said, “Mom, we need to go to Hawaii again. They have rainbows every single day.”

She’s right. We have daily rainbows. Daily successes. Daily achievements and gifts that we need to be celebrating right now.

Maybe this isn’t a brass tacks business post. Maybe you were hoping for 4 steps to getting to the end of the rainbow by next month. Sorry to disappoint you.

Or maybe…I can help after all…

If I had to construct 4 steps to getting to the end of your rainbow as quickly as possible, perhaps my advice would be this:

  1. Get clear on what goal or success or ‘rainbow’ you are working towards
  2. Be consistent with your daily effort & focus time (your coach or mentor can help you know where you should be channeling activities)
  3. Surround yourself with rainbow seekers and not rain coat sellers.
  4. Recognize the rainbows (even the little ones) when they appear & celebrate the beauty of it!

Don’t keep changing the rainbow. Don’t dismiss your successes when they happen. And most of all…recognize that while your rainbow might be different than mine…you CAN do this.

I believe in rainbows and I believe in YOU!

Please share with me below a success or goal or ‘rainbow’ you’d like to see in the next 30 days or so. I’d really love to know!

 

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Filed Under: Blog Posts, Goal Setting, Motivation & Persistence
About Carrie Wilkerson

Consultant & Strategist for self-employed professionals & small business owners. Wife, Mom, Author, Speaker & Joyful Human! Host of http://BarefootExecutive.TV and professional encourager...I believe in your dreams, in home-based business and the power of ruthless implementation!

  • http://profiles.google.com/thorncoyle T Thorn Coyle

    Thank you for this post. I was just thinking yesterday about how many of my students and clients underestimate their progress and disregard their successes. This can include me at times. We get caught up in trying to see our failings, and the ways in which we can work better – which are good things – and these correctives themselves become another hamster wheel.

    My rainbow in the next 30 days? Launching a video subscription series to help others live in greater alignment. This has the possibility of expanding my teaching reach.

    Thanks for asking! (so glad to be following you on twitter, btw)

  • Anonymous

    That is so achievable! Please keep me posted on twitter about your series -
    I’ll RT it for you and keep encouraging you!

  • http://www.gathermoreclients.com Simon Jordan

    Love this post. ‘rain coat sellers’ we all know these so yes go seek out the rainbow seekers. Another great post Carrie. Have a wonderful anniversary.

  • http://fingercandymedia.com/ Jessica Northey

     I really don’t think I could like/love you more if I tried! 
    Your point of view is literally breathtaking!I am in the process of writing my first book, moving to Nashville and doing as much to lift others up on my journey!
    Physically: I want to eat better, sleep more, exercise daily.Mentally: I am reading books, “cleaning my own house” taking inventory and getting rid of things that don’t serve me well.Spiritually: Be grateful for my life lessons. I am learning to trust God more and meditate daily.
    Emotionally: I am working on trusting myself more and my instincts about people, places, things.
    There ya go-I am a work in progress! Thanks for a great post! Glad you are in my life.*doing gratitude dance*

  • Laura Benedict

     What a terrific reminder! Am focusing on re-focusing my writing career. So excited to be chasing rainbows again.

  • Rebekahdmartin

    OMW!!! I loved this post. Sooo very true. Don’t change your rainbow. You had a request for a 30 day rainbow… Within the next 30 days – business, we want to make enough money to pay for our girls’ schooling next year. Personal, we want to have a disciple the disciple program established. :) Thanks so much for the reality check!

  • Pat

    Carrie – welcome back to Canada – and to the Niagara region.  So very beautiful there! I love rainbows – especially when I hold them in my vision during a ‘rainy period’ in my business.  For me, my rainbow over the next few months, will be to promote (and fill) my one-day workshop in Toronto in August.  That’s the goal – I’m holding the vision of having 60 women entrepreneurs in the room (I turn 60 in August – that’s where the number came from) – and help them/teach them some powerful techniques for stepping into greatness in their own business as they prepare for fall, and beyond!  

  • Carl Ann

    I have always said of myself, “I was born without a map of the world in my head.” I meant, I never seemed able to navigate through the world very well. I’ve always also said, “I know people who, just by putting their pants on in the morning, make another 5 grand, they do have a map of the world in their heads.”

    To me, it seemed some people just had a knack for being successful while others didn’t. Some seemed to fnd their way through our universe just fine, while others seemed lost. I was the lost one and was happy I married one with a map.

    But as I am older, and wiser, I see that my map is just very different. Turned out I am an amazing mom. My sons, 22 and 17, talk to me about their lives and freely admit, “My mom is the best.” Turns out I know how to make people feel comfortable and cheer them on. Turns out I can network like crazy for friends and loved ones–even when I can’t for myself. I have been a map for my friends–getting them hooked up with just the right people for the right job—when I couldn’t do that for myself. Turns out, people call me to talk because I’m a good listener, becasue I’m honest, and because I have really good ideas.

    So, as I begin exploring a second career at 50+ years old, I am going to re-think this whole map business. I am going to follow my map. What does that look like for the next 30 days? Designing a resume (something I am terrified to do). I am going to actually think about what my goals and objectives are and put them in written format–for me–and then as my kids would say, “jump that onto a resume.”

    Next month, I’ll look for the actual job.

  • Lissa Cole

    Thank you, Carrie for sharing such wonderful thoughts even while you are away celebrating!  Happy Anniversary!!  I believe in the gift of rainbows as well.  Just after a rain or when there is sun and a little mist, I always say “Let’s look, there’s a rainbow somewhere. “  So, true in our businesses and projects.  There are always opportunities for colorful adventures.  We just have to look for them everyday! 

    My 30 day rainbow is to finish FYStadium (educate, educate), attract 10 more clients, and enjoy the process!

    Enjoy your weekend!  We love the Canada side…beautiful!! 

  • Anonymous

    Thank you Simon! Rain Coat Sellers beware — we are on a mission to put you
    out of business ;) Enjoy your kids!

  • Anonymous

    All that and a new BFF too :) Thanks my friend! And I loved your post today
    on Run Your Race…powerful stuff!

  • Anonymous

    They are THERE Laura!! I believe you’ll find your first of many very soon!

  • Anonymous

    LOVE that! Rainbow for you that benefits for your kids! LOVE IT!

  • Anonymous

    Love it Pat!! And remember that old country song…gotta have a little rain
    if you want the rainbow!

  • Anonymous

    Cari Ann – stop with the map – navigation is sometimes hard. Let’s focus on
    rainbows (there’s a variety of ways to get to that destination, right?)
    Start with positive self talk – you’ve said enough negative about yourself -
    really internalize what others brag on about you – it’s ok to recognize that
    in yourself too!

  • Anonymous

    Lissa- thank you for being an encourager! I appreciate you!

    You can finish FYS and implement in a powerful way. I KNOW you can!

  • http://www.gathermoreclients.com Simon Jordan

    Ha ha we sure are.

  • Catherine

    Hey Carrie

    As I drive through a big rain storm here in Alberta, Canada last night, there was a rainbow framed against big black clouds.  It gave me a smile and reminded me that good things come out of stormy times.

    Your post put the final piece of the puzzle into place… time to stand in front of my whiteboard and pick up where I left off with my marketing campaign when it seemed too much trouble for little return. 

    Enjoy Niagara!  One of my favourite weekend retreats!

  • http://fingercandymedia.com/ Jessica Northey

    YAY! I feel *exactly* the same way!

    Thank you for the song! It brought a tear to my eye, in a great way!  

  • http://alidavies.com/ Ali Davies

    My husband and I have been following our rainbow since escaping the corporate world 10 years ago. A few weeks ago he had a serious car accident that could of ended our joint rainbow vision. It was a reminder that whilst we are busy chasing rainbows it is equally important to be living your rainbow in the here and now because we don’t always have control of when rainbows come and go and really all we have is the rainbow we are living in the moment.

    The up side of his accident (from which he is well on the mend) is that we are currently designing a new rainbow which is even brighter than the last. 

  • Carl Ann

    I am stopping with the map, that was the point of my comment. I said three very positive things in my comment that I have discovered about myself. Amazing mom, great networker for my friends, and good ideas. I said over the next thirty days I will create a resume, something I am not good at–promoting myself–but I took your challenge, made it specific and will do it. That is the first step to my rainbow. And my name is Carl Ann, not Cari Ann 

  • http://twitter.com/coachjulie Julie Larson

    My Rainbow over the next 30 days is an Entrepreneur Think-Tank Co-Operative facility located in Meridian, Idaho!

  • http://www.fabulouslysuccessful.com Dawn

    Happy Anniversary Carrie!  What a beautiful post and especially love the four steps.  Enjoy your romantic weekend and the lovely scenery.

    You will be glad to know that I followed my rainbow this week and did a pre-launch (to my clients) of Awesome Autoresponders (full public launch happens in 10 days)!  Yes, finally a reality!

    To your Fabulous Success,
    Dawn

  • Leslielempka.com

    My goal is 3 new Executive Business Builders to my incredible team by May 30th, 2011.  As my global team builds I will follow my rainbows around the world to help my team train, and build their amazing teams!

  • http://www.partylite.biz/cherylphillips Cheryl Phillips

    I would love to get you and Belinda Ellsworth with me in a room.  OMG…..I have taught my team some of the very same things you teach!  Maybe in a bit different phrasing or thought process.  But the message is always loud and clear….
    1.  Keep your dreams and goals visual
    2.  Once you reach a goal or dream or place in your life, quickly find another
    3.  Consistence and Comittment are a key to success
    4.  Surround yourself with those who think like you and are not Dream Stealers

    I love your info, try to get to as much as I can.  Have fun in Canada and turn off your phone.
    Give that hubby all of you, you deserve it and so does he!  We are leaving for Cancun with PartyLite on Sunday, and as much as I am having anxiety over it, my phone is staying home. 

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1059383309 DrSteve Vasilev

     Happy Anniversary child bride…. lol.  A lasting supportive relationship & marriage is a rainbow in itself!  Celebrated our 7th just a few days ago  (-: 
    On the biz side, my 15-30d rainbow is completion of the three product funnels we’ve been working on at Cureology, where the primary .com and .tv sites and FB page have been totally remodeled, and getting some focused traffic driven to them.    

  • Judysm52

    Carl Ann, Thank you so much for your comment. I thought I was reading about myself. I’ve really been struggling latley about my future. You have put this into perspective for me, thankyou again. 

  • http://www.growingherbsforbeginners.com Rhonda Daniels

    Love this post ! I felt a bit like Carl Ann, remaking myself after some of the kids were gone, rediscovering talents and shuffling around because business had really changed. I truly felt like throwing in the towel yesterday and was greeted this morning by the nicest emails from people telling me how my encouragement had helped them. And THAT is why I do what I do, although sometimes it’s easy to get sidetracked.
    30 days? You bet- I have a few things in mind :-)

  • http://twitter.com/SarahLCook Sarah Cook

    @barefootexec:disqus  Thank you for another fab article on lessons in everyday living! I am learning again that the rainbows end is often just the beginning of another bigger, more beautiful rainbow! Successes – “The Parents’ Guide to Raising CEO Kids” debuts in July and speaking engagements are quickly lining up! Enjoy your celebration weekend!

  • http://twitter.com/RichardKrawczyk Richard M. Krawczyk

    My parents went to Niagra Falls for their honeymoon.

    Great point regarding paying attention to the smaller rainbows in life.

  • http://paulaquinlan.com Paula

    Have y ou heard Olivai Newton-John sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow?” Absolutely divine and a true “rainbow” success story, living life to her fullest after breast cancer 18 years ago. 

  • http://kidssewing.org Katrina

    I would like to have my new ( kidssewing.org ) membership site up and running to start building my list, building a community and teaching kids to sew. Katrina

  • Catherine

    Congratulations on your anniversary…Niagra Falls is wonderful…
    The day my granddaughter was born….was the most spectacular Rainbow I have ever seen.  Since then,,,she has been my WHY…and why I must keep working towards the end results…..have a great trip. 

  • http://www.michaellrobins.com Michael Robins

    I will profoundly  transform 30 people’s lives in the next 30 days (are u one of those?), and I offer my sacred services freely. I find out where you most want to go or what you most want to have in your life. Then we use breath-work to bring the sub-conscious mind, which is the attractor that determines all of your circumstances, up into the physical body to explore which patterns limit your living the life of your dreams and we heal and transform that energy. Do that with me, and you will find you have new and greater power to manist what you want.

    I have many other gifts to offer you, but the one I offered is a good starting point.

  • Don Schnure

     Carrie I totally agree with you on this one. Some days are harder then others. God didn’t say life was going to be without challenges. But he balances those challenges with “rainbows” if you just allow yourself to see them. ;)

  • http://www.mommyreporter.com Mommy Reporter

    I’m just surprised that you’re working and writing blog posts on your anniversary getaway…  LOL

  • http://www.michaellrobins.com Michael

     My abundant services are offered above, and there are many more should you desire to have a conversation with me and explore the possibilities, Carl (Carol?) Ann

  • http://www.michaellrobins.com Michael

     I’d like to offer my assistance as well. You an read what I shared with Carol Ann , and the invitation is open to you to should you chose to inquire about it further

  • http://www.michaellrobins.com Michael

     I have something I believe can help you achieve your goals. I have access to a CD which will introduce you to a way of receiving 14 CD’s for free  from a presentation called Your Wish is Your Command from Kevin Trudeau in the Swiss Alps that cost $10,000. He shares how you can be, have, and do anything you want in a way that far surpasses most of the information on the Law of Attraction. This could not only help you but also your team This is the real deal with many of the missing pieces about how to make the Law of Attraction actually work for you. So what’s the catch? There isn’t any. The world desperately needs this information.
    However, you must email me at uragreat12@gmail.com to get the 1st CD. If you have questions, you can call me at 386-427-4617

  • http://www.michaellrobins.com Michael

     Hi Cheryl, you might be interested in what I offered Leslie. Let me know if you are.

  • http://www.michaellrobins.com Michael

    Hi Lissa, I think what I have to offer would be of benefit to you. I have access to a CD which will introduce you to a way of receiving 14 CD’s for free  from a presentation called Your Wish is Your Command from Kevin Trudeau in the Swiss Alps that cost $10,000. He shares how you can be, have, and do anything you want in a way that far surpasses most of the information on the Law of Attraction. This is the real deal with many of the missing pieces about how to make the Law of Attraction actually work for you. So what’s the catch? There isn’t any. The world desperately needs this information.
    However, you must email me at uragreat12@gmail.com to get the 1st CD or call me for further infrmation- 386-427-4617

  • http://www.michaellrobins.com Michael

     Hi Pat, check the offer I made to Lissa. You may be interested in it as well.

  • http://www.michaellrobins.com Michael

     I, as you, am doing my utmost to lift up others as well. I am sure when 2-positive, like-minded individuals share, the universe expands exponentially. This an open invitation to such a phenomenon.

    Michael  386-427-4617  EST

  • http://www.michaellrobins.com Michael

     Thanks for this wonderful opportunity to share, Barefootexecutive. I hope you don’t mind my many posts to many of the responders. I feel we live in an abundant universe and there is room for all uplifting contributions.

  • Anonymous

     my phone has been off since we landed in Buffalo. I’m blogging to share a photo and I’ve not really worked since we’ve been here. Hubby has had 150% of my full attention.

  • Anonymous

     I love to share where I am and when inspiration hits – boom :) Hubby read and approved the post and he even took the photo.

  • Anonymous

     Don. ZACTLY. thanks for your feedback…kisses to your little Miss ;)

  • Anonymous

     Catherine, thanks for sharing!

  • Anonymous

     So proud!! I’m sure Carl Ann speaks for so many of us!

  • Anonymous

     Dawn…I could not be more proud my friend. Kudos and HUGE hugs.

  • Anonymous

     Ali – thank you for being a great reminder and an inspiration!

  • http://twitter.com/Jo_Catalyst Joanne Ernst

    Thanks Carrie! As refreshing as an ice cold beer on a hot summer’s day :-)

    Wishing you and Mr Barefoot a wonderful anniversary, a fabulous holiday and many more rainbows together.

    My rainbow for the next 30 days (thank you for asking!) is to stick with my current rainbow and celebrate every little success along the way.

    Loving the new look blog by the way, nice job :-)

    love
    Jo

  • http://profiles.google.com/thorncoyle T Thorn Coyle

     You rock! Enjoy the rest of your time in beautiful places!

  • Carol O.

    Great post! And Happy Anniversary! I was a “child bride” as well and will be celebrating 31 years of blissful marriage in a couple of weeks.

    I believe there is always a rainbow to look forward to no matter what life throws at you. This has been a really tough year personally for our family–loss of baby girl grandchild, son hurt at his job, loss of our 13 yo dog–but things are looking better now.

    Professionally, my va business is taking off and  I have started a plr site. S0 my 30 day rainbow goal is to get more clients, sell more plr articles and begin creating ebooks to help others in their online adventures.

  • Carl Ann

    Sure! Oh absolutely. You have inspired me today. Thank you.

  • Joyce Moore

    I would like to develop 5 real relationships with business owners who’s services complement mine.

  • http://Busyness.com Dr. Brad Semp

    Happy Anniversary!!  Please send the same to Mr. B!  Hope to see both of you very soon!

    Unbusy Yourself,
    Dr. Brad

    P.S.  I also agree that “little rainbows” are all around us.  Unfortunately, most people are too busy to step back and acknowledge their existence.  I love to celebrate rainbows in accomplishing a single Action Unit (AU)….which is a 15 minute period of dedicated, focused and uninterrupted action.
     

  • Sarahjeanf

     Reminds me of our summer road trip in a rain downpour with the sun behind us. One beautiful rainbow after another. Trying to catch them all on my through the windshield of the car. So amazing people were pulling over to take it in. My directorship is the goal.i can see its magnificence each step of the way. Happy Anniversary!

  • http://twitter.com/shelleymolitor Shelley Molitor

    My 30 Day Rainbow – 3 busy moms ready for change and hungry for help!

  • http://twitter.com/ciaobella50 Bella

     Great read Carrie, inspired!

    Bella

  • http://twitter.com/ciaobella50 Bella

     Great read Carrie, inspired!

    Bella

  • Tanya Smith

    Happy Anniversary to you and Mr B :-) I went to Niagara falls with my Mum 18 years ago in January – it was spectacular, so powerful!!
    My 30 day rainbow is to get all my launch material written, recorded and going LIVE – come rain or shine!

    Enjoy your break

    cheers – Tanya

  • http://greenandprofitable.com Shel Horowitz-Green Marketer

     I’d love to see 10 or more additional paying markets for my new syndicated column, Green And Profitable. (And happy anniversary one day late).

  • Anonymous

    have you considered being an unpaid syndicated columnist primarily for
    saturation purposes? A client of mine is syndicated in 276 newspapers and
    does so for no payment strictly because of the exposure and lead gen. Might
    be worth a ‘consider’

  • Anonymous

    have you considered being an unpaid syndicated columnist primarily for
    saturation purposes? A client of mine is syndicated in 276 newspapers and
    does so for no payment strictly because of the exposure and lead gen. Might
    be worth a ‘consider’

  • Anonymous

     So proud of you Sarah! We KNEW this day was coming!

  • Anonymous

     let me know when you want to brainstorm some things Steve :) Proud of you!

  • Anonymous

     WOW Julie!!

  • Anonymous

     kiss the twins from Auntie Barefoot!! Ok – keep me posted on that 30 days! Proud of you!

  • Anonymous

     Shelley – frame that a bit differently – how about 3 busy moms ready for change and hungry for RESULTS ;)

  • Anonymous

     Joyce – blogs, facebook groups, linked in and twitter are excellent places to find those folks…great goal!

  • Anonymous

     you are an encouragement to us all Carol. way to grow…

  • Anonymous

     thank you ma’am :) and thanks for the magazine article you mailed me – filed in the idea box ; LOVE IT!

  • http://greenandprofitable.com Shel Horowitz-Green Marketer

    Yes, Carrie, I have considered it. I have over the years given out tons of free content and still do a monthly newsletter, a blog, lots of helpful posts on social networks, etc.

    However, I also believe that writers should get paid for our work, and I have set the price extremely low ($10 per column per issue, for media). I have three paying clients so far, and my goal is to have 1000 (or equivalent revenue from better-paying corporate clients) by the end of 2012.

    And this, in turn, I would expect to bring clients, speaking gigs, etc.

    However, the challenge is the wide availability of free content. Getting people to pay even a tiny bit is challenging.

  • Anonymous

    Gotcha! Thanks for clarification!

  • http://twitter.com/Jo_Catalyst Joanne Ernst

    As Ms Flintoft would say – ‘It’s a pleasure, treasure!’

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Janika-Skembo/1177116822 Janika Skembo

    I have a garden hose.  I can make a rainbow on any given sunny day.  I just have to get out while it is shining.

  • http://www.thelifestyleguy.co.uk/news Garth Delikan

    Hi Carrie, loving the “over the rainbow” analogy!

    I wrote something similar a while back along the lines of searching for “The Blue Bird of happiness” likening it to the fact we are always seeking things “outside of ourselves” yet everything we really need is “within us”.

    Great article! x

  • Anonymous

    I believe your 7 year old daughter has it all figured out.  We can and do have rainbows everyday.  Sometimes, they are right under our nose, and we just need to wake up from auto-pilot, get out of being reactionary,  live from possibilities and limitless opportunities, and magically the rainbows will appear everywhere.

  • Anonymous

    I agree Beverly!

  • Msilva

    Thanks, Carrie.  I enjoyed your post very much.   What a spectacular photo.
     I love a blog that requires me to take action!  In the next 30 days, I would like to start two more Mastermind groups… one on the book “The Go-Giver” by Bob Burg and John David Mann,  and another on John Maxwell’s ”The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership”.  
    With admiration and appreciation, Mary Silva

  • Carrie Wilkerson

    I might suggest just one at a time :)

    Congrats on taking action!!

  • http://www.kgvconsultants.com Kerry Garner Venter

    Firstly happy anniversary! Great post and I love this quote – “There is no ONE rainbow. There is no ONE ultimate. There is no ONE success or ONE finish line for your life or your business.” I agree 100% as we progress in this journey of life things change and we need to adapt accordingly thanks for sharing this…

  • Carrie Wilkerson

    thank you Kerry!! Glad to be of use ;)